Kevin Bacon leads as FBI agent Ryan Hardy, James Purefoy plays serial killer Joe Carroll, and Shawn Ashmore stars as agent Mike Weston in The Following, a gripping cat‑and‑mouse thriller.
Main cast
- Ryan HardyKevin Bacon1–3Main
- Joe CarrollJames Purefoy1–3Main
- Mike WestonShawn Ashmore1–3Main
- Claire MatthewsNatalie Zea1–2Main
- Debra ParkerAnnie Parisse1–2Main
- Emma HillValorie Curry1–3Main
- Joey MatthewsKyle Catlett1–2Main
- Paul TorresAdan Canto1–2Main
- Luke Gray / Mark GraySam Underwood2–3Main
- Max HardyJessica Stroup3Main
- Theo ‘The Poet’ MercerMichael Ealy3Main
- GwenZuleikha Robinson3Main
- DaisyLi Jun Li3Main
Supporting cast
- Jacob WellsNico Tortorella1–2Supp
- Jordy RainesWarren Kole1Supp
- RoderickTommy Flanagan1Supp
- Carroll’s mother / MarthaSusan Blommaert1Supp
- Lily GrayConnie Nielsen2Supp
- MicahKyle Secor2Supp
- JavierJohn Lafayette1–2Supp
- Agent PhillipsMike Colter1Supp
Guest & voice
- Detective Jennifer MasonCatherine Wolf1Guest
- Agent Weston’s fatherJames McCaffrey2Guest
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About this cast
The Following is a psychological thriller series that follows former FBI agent Ryan Hardy as he is drawn back into the hunt for his nemesis, the charismatic serial killer Joe Carroll. Over three seasons, the show explores Carroll’s cult of followers and the devastating impact on Hardy’s life, with a stellar cast led by Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy, and Shawn Ashmore.
FAQs
Who plays Ryan Hardy in The Following?
Kevin Bacon plays the role of FBI agent Ryan Hardy.
Who plays Joe Carroll in The Following?
James Purefoy portrays the serial killer Joe Carroll.
How many seasons of The Following are there?
The Following ran for three seasons, from 2013 to 2015.
Is The Following based on a true story?
No, The Following is a fictional thriller, though it draws on real‑life cult psychology and the figure of the charismatic murderer.
Where was The Following filmed?
The series was primarily filmed in New York City and around Connecticut in the United States.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026